‘I felt like I could do anything’

Parker man reaches new heights with adaptive climbing wall

Parker resident Nate Redman has a rare genetic condition, spinocerebellar ataxia 7, that’s gradually taking away his brain’s ability to communicate with his body. A wrestler and football player in high school, the 25-year-old now uses a …

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Parker

‘I felt like I could do anything’

Parker man reaches new heights with adaptive climbing wall

Nate Redman, 25, scales the adaptive climbing wall at the Parker Fieldhouse on Aug. 9. Redman has been coming to the facility to climb since April, and has made it to the top of the 25-foot structure twice, so far.

photos by Tom Skelley

Nate Redman, in red, makes his way up the Parker Fieldhouse climbing wall as his occupational therapist Jeff Galloway, wearing a hat, and his friend Aaron Peterson, help him get started. Peterson, a friend of Redman’s since their teen years, moved in with the Redman family to assist in Nate’s care.

Nate Redman holds on tight to a handhold on the adaptive climbing wall at the Parker Feldhouse. Redman’s friend, Aaron Peterson, says he’s noticed an improvement in Redman’s dexterity and strength since he began using the wall in April.

Tom Skelley

Nate Redman plans his ascent at the adaptive climbing wall at the Parker Fieldhouse. Redman has a rare genetic degenerative disorder and uses the wall to maintain his level of activity, improve his coordination and have fun.

Tom Skelley

A carabiner hangs at the ready before being attached to a harness next to a climbing wall at the Parker Fieldhouse. The wall recently added a special harness to allow disabled climbers to use the facility.

Tom Skelley

Posted
Monday, August 14, 2017 2:25 pm

To use the wall

A 60-minute private session with a staff member using the adaptive climbing wall is $30 for Parker Recreation members and $35 for non-members. The Fieldhouse recommends calling 303-805-6300 at least a week in advance for scheduling.

For more information on rates or scheduling for the adaptive climbing wall, call the Fieldhouse at 303-805-6304 or crhode@parkeronline.org.

Parker resident Nate Redman has a rare genetic condition, spinocerebellar ataxia 7, that’s gradually taking away his brain’s ability to communicate with his body. A wrestler and football player in high school, the 25-year-old now uses a wheelchair and relies on his family, therapists and friends to get from point A to point B, at least when he’s on the ground.

But he can go upward as well as just about anyone.

“I’d never done a therapy like that,” Redman said, referring to an indoor adaptive climbing wall he’s been using at the Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E. Plaza Drive in Parker. “It helps my coordination and it’s fun.”

A special harness allows a staff member to keep him from falling, the same it would with any climber. And with a little help transferring from his wheelchair, Redman can grab the handholds, place his feet on footholds and pull himself up the 25-foot structure. It’s the only wall like it in the area, according to Fieldhouse staff.

Redman began using the wall in April, but he’s already made it to the top twice.

“I felt like I could do anything,” he said of his first summit. “I was actually turning around and waving.”

Spinocerebellar ataxia is degenerative, and patients with Redman’s condition are ultimately bedridden. Redman’s occupational therapist, Jeff Galloway, said climbing is one way to keep Redman active and exercising as long as possible, adding that the wall has unique benefits for Redman’s coordination and confidence.

“It’s a novel experience,” Galloway said. “Reaching and seeking the handles helps with his coordination and sensory integration…These are things we all apply every day to build our character.”

Redman’s closest companion, Aaron Peterson, said he’s noticed improvement in his friend’s dexterity and strength, but added that the positive effects of using the wall go beyond Redman himself.

“Every time we tell someone about it,” he said, “it inspires them to try it.”

The following are results from state Legislature, county and municipal races, and ballot issues from the Nov. 6 election. Results for county and municipal offices and ballot questions were updated shortly after midnight on Nov. 7. For state Senate and state House, results were updated Nov. 8.